An unscheduled fuel stop by a Czechoslovakian military fighter jet led to some speculation that something was amiss. The Aero L-39 Albatros high performance jet touched down just before midday on Monday. It’s presence in this country’s airspace prompted curious questions by plane-spotters and others on social media about. A Facebook post which questioned why a Czech aircraft was landing at Piarco was also being shared on WhatsApp. However, the aircraft, according to some reports, stopped on its way from Dominica.
National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds assured there was “nothing unusual” about the plane’s arrival at Piarco. In a brief interview with Guardian Media, he confirmed it was an unscheduled fuel stop. According to him, “countries all over the world entertain aircraft and vessels that might be in need of that kind of support in accordance with international law and relations.”
Based on global flight tracking service, FlightRadar245, the aircraft departed shortly before 2pm. A video of the aircraft was shared on social media app TikTok.
About the Aero L-39 Albatros
According to AirForce Technology's website, the L-39 Albatros is a two seat, single engine aircraft designed and manufactured for the Czechoslovakian Air Force. It was the first airplane to be powered by turbofan engines and was later upgraded to the L-59 Super Albatros. The Aero L-39 Albatros, which was designed during the 1960s, is currently used as a versatile jet trainer, as well as strategic reconnaissance aircraft and light ground combatant support.
